Dhaka, 27 Jan - The Department of Environment carried out 11 mobile court operations in Bhola, Lakshmipur, Rangpur, Khulna, Sirajganj, Chattogram, Narsingdi, Netrokona, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, and in Gulshan and Bhatara areas of Dhaka to curb the production, sale, and distribution of banned polythene.
These actions led to 16 legal cases, fines totaling Tk 53,500, and the confiscation of approximately 1,300 kilograms of banned polythene. Furthermore, warnings were issued to shopkeepers in places like the Gulshan kitchen market and Baridhara new market to halt sales of the prohibited items.
A mobile court in Manikganj district focused on combating air pollution from illegal brick kilns, filing two cases and collecting Tk 1 lakh in fines.
Two mobile courts in Dhaka's Mohammadpur and Basila areas targeted air pollution from construction materials under the Air Pollution Control Rules 2022, resulting in four cases, Tk 26,000 in fines, and several warnings to affected establishments.
In Lakshmipur district, a mobile court addressed noise pollution, fining a vehicle driver Tk 200 and seizing two hydraulic horns. Additional warnings were issued to other drivers.
The Department of Environment plans to continue such operations nationwide to safeguard the environment.